Natural Remedies for a Bladder Infection (UTI)

I am a 46-year old white female (I wouldn't mention my skin colour except that EC suggests it can be useful for readers to know). I am now in good health, 5'7" and weigh +/- 140lbs. I'm writing this post after 18 months of taking charge of my own health, with a lot of help from this site. I hope my comments help some of you looking for relief.

I had many yeast infections in my 20s but I first experienced a bladder infection only in my mid thirties. Took the usual course of antibiotics, only to have recurrence a few weeks later. A new sexual partner seemed to be the cause. Infection followed infection, and the doctors, including a bladder specialist, were mystified. After painful and invasive testing and many agonizing weekends spent waiting for help in clinics, I was put on a daily low dose of antibiotics. This was a great relief as I could not have sex without getting an infection within hours. Travel was a nightmare as I didn't have access to my usual doctor, and any sort of stress seemed to bring on infections as well. Even the smell of red wine seemed to trigger that stinging pain in my urethra (so stopped drinking that right away of course). Very little was said to me about diet, and as a vegetarian of almost 15 years I thought I was doing ok on the health front.

Fast forward ten years and while I was no longer on the daily antibiotics I had great sensitivity in my urethra. Sex was still a trigger, even with drinking lots of water, urinating right before and after sex, washing with perfume-free soap right before and after sex, and getting my partner to do the same. Even minor health issues - colds and viruses, PMS, stress at work - seemed to trigger that tingling pain in that part of my body. My sex drive was almost zero as I expected to pay the inevitable price if I had intercourse. I was frustrated but resigned. No doctors had been able to help me.

But 18 months ago, when my keratosis pilaris stopped responding to the over-the-counter lotions I had been using for 20 years, I decided to take my health into my own hands. I took a good look at myself. I was about 155 pounds, with a large behind, thick middle, and sagging jawline. My hair was rapidly going grey, my face was lined and exhausted, and I had no energy. Although my bloodwork came back as normal I felt as though I was on the fast track to a serious illness. Both my parents had died young of cancer and had had multiple health problems throughout their lives. It was time to stop hoping that conventional medicine could help me. I made my KP my test project to learn about and improve my health. I never expected that my journey would help me to manage my bladder infections/interstitial cystitis as well.

Thanks to all the amazing people who have posted to this site I learned a lot about the relationship between food and skin. I stopped eating virtually all processed foods, and started eating more raw vegetables, including lots of spinach and kale (organic whenever possible), and good fats, especially organic eggs, olive oil, avocados, nuts, also organic wild salmon (thus making me no longer a vegetarian). I cut down dramatically on sugar, anything with white flour (and breads in general), and alcohol. I had been drinking white wine almost every day but that is no longer the case, and I would say the quality of my health depends on not drinking more than once or twice a week. I also began eating at least a tablespoon of virgin, cold-pressed, organic coconut oil every day, mixed in to my coffee or just gulping down a spoonful. And the very first thing I consume most mornings is the juice of half a lemon squeezed into a glass of room temperature water. (This helps to make the body alkaline, which can help with fighting infection generally, and in the bladder specifically.)

I began dry brushing, almost every day, and oil pulling, almost every day, with virgin, cold-pressed, organic coconut oil. I also gave up almost all commercially produced lotions and skin creams, and only use coconut oil as a moisturizer and sunscreen in the summer (adding heavier oils, such as rose hip, in the winter as my skin is dry).

The success stories on this site encouraged me to be excited about these changes in my diet but the most encouraging thing was my body. Dry brushing feels fantastic, and oil pulling clarifies the skin and makes the teeth bright white. To my astonishment, my burn-prone skin, which was developing darker pigmentation around my mouth and on my chin, has rarely burned since I stared using organic coconut oil, and the pigmentation has disappeared. I attribute this to the absence of chemical-saturated lotions and sunscreens, and to the twice-daily application of coconut oil to my skin.

My keratosis pilaris has 80% disappeared. The bumps are greatly diminished and the redness is gone except if I happen to eat a lot of wheat, dairy, or drink a lot of alcohol. So I would say that my dietary and skin routine changes are healing my skin but they are a permanent choice for managing the problem rather than a 'cure' that allows one to go back to unhealthy habits.

My dietary changes also helped me to lose 15 pounds and gain new energy and optimism. I believe the dry brushing helps greatly with skin tone too and to a limited extent helps with cellulite. I recently celebrated my 46th birthday, but several people I've met over the last few months said they thought that I was 5-10 years younger than that. My facial wrinkles and skin sagging have by no means vanished but have definitely diminished. My grey hair remains the same : )

Along the way I began to rethink my bladder issues as part of the general health picture of my life. I had read enough on this site to know that all health problems are related, and most stem from diet or exposure to toxic substances. As I child, I was given multiple courses of penicillin, sometimes for weeks at a time, for even minor ailments such as colds. From my research on this and other sites, I realized that these massive doses of antibiotics had probably affected my body permanently, with my propensity to bladder and yeast infections as one effect. What I learned is that after even 3 bladder infections the lining of the bladder is cracked and damaged, which prevents the naturally-occuring e-coli bacteria from flushing out, as it gets stuck in the cracks. Hence why we keep getting the infections, and why as soon as the antibiotics are done they come back.

The supplements I now take daily are with a view to countering my 'normal' state of fragility because of all the antibiotics taken in childhood, and in my thirties and early forties, and the damage to my bladder lining from more than 30 bladder infections. I experimented with doses until I found what seems right for me.

2 capsules of multi-probiotic (10-strain formula), morning and night, and at ANY sign of tingling in the urethra or dull pain in the bladder, always with a lot of water

2 buffered cranberry extract (D-Mannose) tablets before sex, and after sex, always with a lot of water

Morning, with food:

1 1000mg tablet of buffered Vitamin C

1 575mg tablet of Norwegian Kelp (source of iodine - helpful for KP)

1 large cod liver oil capsule (source of Vitamins A, D, and E - good to take together for bladder and skin)

1 capsule of collagen-glucosamine complex (mine has 40mg collagen, and 100mg glucosamine. I read that this supplement helps heal the lining of the bladder, as can hyaluronic acid, and you should take the latter with buffered vitamin C for best effectiveness)

Night:

I tablet of Calcium + Magnesium (important to take together for best effect - this tablet has the additional benefit of helping me to fall asleep)

All this adds up in terms of expense, but the value of not being chained to the medical system is worth it. I now feel I can manage any hint of bladder/cystitis pain at the outset. I recommend bringing the buffered cranberry/D-Mannose tablets with you everywhere you go, as they do not need to be refrigerated and are very discreet. I try not to take them except when necessary/as a targeted preventative as there is some debate as to their effectiveness over time. I think it's fundamentally important to build up your health through diet.

I also only use virgin, cold-pressed, organic coconut oil as a lubricant (you can only use condoms made of polyurethane if you use any kind of oil as a lubricant, btw, otherwise they will break). Coconut oil has natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and is very good and soothing for your urethra while being an excellent lubricant. Most commercially-produced lubricants contain carcinogenic chemicals and glycerine, which is a sugar, which is the last thing your urethra or vagina need introduced into the moment of sex, as any yeast will go crazy. I also like to use coconut oil after my shower, just smoothing half a teaspoon in to the urethral/vulva/perianal area is great for your sexual health in general if you are prone to yeast or bladder infections, also any yeast-related itching.

I think I will be living with these health issues for the rest of my life but the silver lining to taking charge of my health has been to learn more about what makes me feel good and strong, and to have improved my well-being overall. People say they don't recognize me from 18 months ago and I hardly recognize myself. What's most important is that the entire process has taught me to listen to my body and to make my body the most important thing in my life. To finally give myself the care I needed but was not getting, either at home or in the doctor's office. Interestingly, I found that once I made my health my priority, other struggles in life became easier. I was less likely to burn out at work, or put up with people who took too much of me. As I stopped relying on sugar, carbs, and alcohol to buffer me from the world, I found I had more energy, clarity, and ability to provide myself with self-care and say "no" when it was right for me to say no.

And on that last note, I do think it's possible that whatever your partner consumes (food, alcohol, cigarettes) ends up being a factor in your urethral/bladder health. In the course of my research I've read so many testimonies from women who never had bladder infections until they started seeing boyfriend X. Then their nightmare began. I know that this is beyond the scope of EarthClinic's mission but I do want to say - in case there is anyone out there with a similar story to mine - that the person I was with, who seemed to trigger my miserable decade of struggling with bladder infections, was a smoker and daily consumer of beer.

I am now seeing someone who doesn't smoke or drink beer and there is a palpable difference in the cause-and-effect of sex -> infection. In other words, I have not had an infection since we became intimate. But that could also be 18 months of dedicated change in my diet and taking a very proactive approach to my health.

If you are suffering from cystitis or bladder infections, my heart goes out to you. It is a lonely, invisible, infuriating, and excrutiating condition that no-one can really understand unless they've experienced it themselves. It hurts us in our most vulnerable place. I hope you find your health and your cure very soon, and get your life back - you deserve it! Thank-you to all the people who posted about their KP, bladder problems and solutions. You made a huge difference to my recovery.

I developed a very painful bladder infection that affected the right side of my body from under my ribs to my knee. It was incredibly painful, just a little more bearable than gallstones. My sciatica flared on my right side as well.

I started taking Acidophilus Pearls every morning and night in addition to unsweetened Cranberry juice and Apple Cider Vinegar in water throughout the day.

For the first few days I took Colloidal silver in water, then switched to a few drops of Wild Oil of Oregano (93%) under the tongue a few times a day.

I took Magnesium and Turmeric for pain and inflammation management. (although I had to mega dose ibuprofen at night as that when it was at its worst)

I really started to improve when one morning on a whim I took a capsule of Activated Charcoal (260mg). The pain completely subsided! I took another around lunch and remained pain free for a few more hours. I couldn't take anymore as I can get very constipated if I take too much. I did this for two days.

The pain did return each late afternoon but I continued with the cranberry juice, OOO and Acidophilus. One the second day of using AC, before bed, I ate some pineapple and drank Senna tea.

The next morning.....no pain. Nothing. Like I never had the infection.

Not sure what finally did it, but happy it's gone after 6 days of agony!

I did continue with the cranberry, Acidopilus and OOO to be sure it wouldn't come back.

Most common UTI is caused by either waiting too long to pass urine or sexual intercourse and the main causal is e. coli. Please try the following bacteria-killer drink.

Brew a green tea (in a big mug), then add 2 slices of lemon (or squeeze half of it, alternatively use the Vitamin C powder - but don't overdose it), 2 tablespoons of Apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Manuka honey (or any other if not present), 2 slices of garlic, ginger and some clove and cinnamon (effective against E.coli), cranberry extract if present (or drink the juice separately), if having - mix in half of paracetamol sachet (250-500mg, find one without aspartame). Drink slowly and repeat every few hours during the day.

In addition, please drink plenty of alkaline water. During the night, give your liver a bit rest by drinking alkaline water only (high in pH, 9-10). Eat fresh fruits, vegetables (with peels when possible), food (avoid cooked, which is lack of enzymes) with garlic, onions, spices (ginger, clove and cinnamon) and anything that works as antioxidants. You may monitor your health by urine strips (leukocytes nitrites and blood). If your UTI is advanced to painful testicles or hematospermia (blood in your semen), ejaculate often for relief.

For external treatment, dissolve few drops of tea tree oil in warm water and wash gently. If not present, washing with any commercial gel/shampoo with SLS (neurotoxin) would do the job as well (by killing the bacteria). You can get some sunshine (which will work as detox), if not possible, try infrared sauna for the deep detoxification (raising body temperature assists the body to kill bacteria, parasites, viruses and other infections). Also don't forget to think positively and proper rest and sleep is the key factor as well. If conditions get worse, please contact with the doctor.

I am so thankful I found earth clinic web site. I got first uti 2 yrs ago and it never went away. The doctors and specialists kept giving antibiotics. Doctors could not give reason why. Antibiotics were not good on my system at all. After 10 months of this I started searching for another cure. I started on d-mannose, probotics, cranberry pill, water, water, water and acv. I started on these full force for about 2 months. My uti is gone and have not had one since(14 months) I have since narrowed down the amounts I was taking and figured out what my body needs at a daily maintance level. I used d-mannose 500mg - 120 tablets. Hope this helps someone that is as desperate as I was for an alternative. Thank to u folks at earth clinic.

I've suffered from UTI issues for most of my adult life. I've followed every suggestion from my doctor and other women & I just believe it's something i'm just prone to. I've spent my time, money & energy back and forth from the doctor getting antibiotics that also have harsh side effect for me. I even had a hospital stay due to one that got out of hand & gave me a massive kidney infection. A couple of years ago, I started seeing a doctor that also gave me alternative options to help prevent infections. First I tried the cranberry capsules, it helped speed up my healing, but it was always in conjuction to antibiotics. I tried taking them as a preventative, but this didn't seem to work for me. What did work was Uva Ursi. Now, the minute I feel the urgency, pain & low fever I do the following (only use the following at the first signs of an bladder infection - do not use with kidney infections):

1 500mg Uva Ursi 3x per day (Capsules any health food store)

1 1000mg Vitamin C 2x per day (if you can get one of those immune system boosters that you dissolve in water - that works the easiest. But minimum, Vit C)

Water, Water, Water - I will carry a bottle of water with me throughout the day & just keep drinking so I go to the bath room as much as possible.

Bananas - eat a couple a day

Online there is alot of information on uva ursi - it flushes your kidneys & acts as an antiseptic. It also comes in the form of a tea, but i've only done the capsules. DO NOT TAKE IT IF YOUR INFECTION IS ALREADY CAUSING LOWER BACK PAIN OR YOU SUSPECT YOU ALREADY HAVE A KIDNEY INFECTION - GO TO THE DOCTOR. This supplement can be toxic if over done. Look at the back of the bottle & follow the directions exactly.

Vitamin C will help boost your immune system to help knock out the infection.

Water will help flush out the infection and bacteria causing the infection, plus help the uva ursi do it's job. The bananas will help resupply your body with potassium. I understand uva ursi can cause potassium deficiency. So keep up foods rich in potassium to avoid this. I've done this for 6 months now & it's worked!! I was going to the doctor at least every other month with UTI issues, now I'm feel great.

After yrs of UTI and antibiotics, I found what works for me. I do have to start with an azo pill, just to stop the pain and contractions. Then I take 1 Tablespoon Collidal silver or sometimes 1 teaspoon 3x a day. I take 3 cranberry pills 3X per day. Then at night, several hours after collidal silver I take a probotic, so the good stuff is there to work thru the night. ( make sure you do not take Collidal silver and probotics at the same time, they nix each other). Also, drink 64 oz. or more of water per day to flush your system. NO, sugar stuff and lay low on caffeine.

I feel better within a day or two, but continue this for 3 days to a week depending on how bad you have it.

I've done this for the last several yrs now, they are getting fewer and farther apart. I've have not needed any antibiotics since I started this.

Okay, so I'm not sure if I even have it anymore, though I still feel some slight discomfort during urination.

So if I still have this infection, I'm going on week number 3 of having it. I really dont want to take antibiotics, plus I can't really afford going for a doctors visit plus a prescription. So week one, I chugged lots of water and cranberry juice, drank apple cider vinegar 2tbsps a day, took cranberry supplements, vitamin c, echinacea, acidophilus and the apple cider vinegar seemed to help me. But I was still having irritation, then last week, I was still chugging water and cranberry juice, still doing vitamin c and all the pills I listed above, only I was taking 2 tbsps of apple cider vinegar 3 times a day.. And it helped at first, but then at the end of last week it started to hurt a lot more.

Then this past monday, I got Kidney Bladder remedy, I researched beforehand on how Uva Ursi is really can help get rid of the infection, so I went to the local health food store to get it, but then saw the blend for Kidney Bladder which contains Uva Ursi, but also contains Juniper, Parsley, Ginger, Marshmallow root, cramp bark and goldenseal root which I hear are all awesome things to help get rid of a bladder infection. I cut out the cranberry juice this week, and have just been drinking water. Your supposed to take this blend twice a day, so I did for monday and tuesday. But I later read on tuesday night that cranberry and vitamin c make my blend pills pretty much ineffective. So I stopped taking the cranberry supplements and vitamin c, and have just been chugging the water, taking this blend with all this stuff in it, echinacea, and acidophilus. So I feel like I've really improved, it's a lot better. But I'm still feeling irritation, it hasn't moved to my kidneys, thats for sure. But it's been like 4 effective days of taking this blend, and I can only take it up to 7, because past that is dangerous.

Though my mom who is a nurse, said that maybe the infection is gone and that there is more to it, that I possibly could have irritable problems with my urethra that's causing me discomfort/irritation while I urinate. So what should I do? Does it sound like I'm on the right track to being cured? What else should I do if not? Could my mom be right?

Warning

I have been chronically getting Bladder/UT infections on and off for the last 20 years (yes, I know. YOWZA! ) By my late 20's it was diagnosed as a condition called CYSTITIS... With speculation that at this point in development, it could be IC (interstitial cystitis). I was not born with this condition. It began when I was 17 years old and at the time was triggered by sex. I had all the symptoms: frequency of urination, pain after urinating, inflammation of bladder (swollen tummy), and at some point inability to hold urine.

In the very beginning, I went to a Western traditional doctor and was prescribed anti-biotics. From this point on the infection never seemed to entirely go away and I continued taking anti-biotics, on and off for the next 5 years... As doctors really could not explain my body's resistance... Over this 5 yr course of time (on & off) I took: Bactrim, Cipro, Macrodantin and at some point Tetracycline... Basically ladies & gents, it was a bit of a nightmare.... Again and again, the bacteria developed resistance.

Eventually, in my mid 20's, I found myself with the best medical (and temporary!! Hahaha! ) insurance coverage and began seeing a Urologist. I had many, many tests & a few Xrays done to determine if it was a physical deformity in my "plumbing". Everything came out negative. Even the Urologist seemed suprised. In the end of the conversation, his medical advice was "Dont worry, "it" (the bacteria) will burn itself out".... 10 years or so after, well.. It hasnt, my body is still recovering/restoring/regenerating from the damage done by anti-biotics... Yet, it is manageable (many lifestyle adjustments)....

I came on here today, simply to just caution those from the overuse and abuse of anti-biotics as a false sense of hope... It seems like a good idea at the time yet it is a dire "trade-off" for most patients... What may seem like healing or a cure in that moment, to just to be able to experience relief... BE MOST CAREFUL AND AWARE WITH YOUR BODY!!! If you find you are experiencing reoccuring bladder/UT infections I recommend:

alternative medicines/treatments: Chinese medicine/treatment, Holistic herbal medicine, stress management, diet and general lifestyle adjustments.

General herbal treatment/healing food diet support :

"Healing herbal soup broth"

handful herbs of horsetail, parsley, cornsilk, uva Ursi, cleavers, usnea (some herbs are easier to find than others.. try natural health food stores or co-ops etc.)

pinch of fresh Oregano

several cloves of garlic (the more the better)

4 cups of Spring/distilled water

Cook for 1/2hr (the longer you let sit the better, I find making a new pot of broth while I have some in hand.. Keeps the body flushing) strain... drink throughout day...

Diet ( this has great significance, especially while fighting off an infection):

AVOID:

#1-SUGAR (even natural fruit sugars), dairy, greasy or fried foods, spicy foods, chicken, shellfish, tomatoes, coffee, sodas, alcohol.

Healing diet:

GREENS, GREENS, GREENS!!! Fresh everything is best. REAL/WHOLE FOODS, nothing processed, no junk food (do your best, your body will thank you in the long run)... explore and get creative with your diet!!! We are what we eat!!! Whether you juice it (google juicing), or make yummy healing stews or use all the colors of the rainbow to knock out a jaw dropping salad (easy on any weird supermarket salad dressings: try lemon, olive oil, flax or sesame seeds, sea salt, black or white pepper)...

I eat mostly vegetarian (just easier on my digestive system) yet, if eating meat.. Find out where your meat/fish/poultry etc... Is coming from and what is in it. Meaning, if you can, stay away from the "factory animal farm"....

WHAT TO DO WHEN FINDING YOURSELF WITH THE BEGINNING STAGES OF A BLADDER/UT INFECTION:

flush out with:

1.Apple cider vinegar (suprise! )... Try not to overdo if using long term... the ph balance in the body is in the center of acidic and alkaline (for most, ideally, leaning more alkaline)...

-----2Tbsp. of ACV in 8oz. Of Spring/distilled water... drink throughout the day

2. Drink 1 gallon of Spring/distilled water a day is best... Yes, I did say a gallon.. The more the better... combine with dilution of unsweetened cranberry juice if you feeling too amphibious

3. Pure, unsweetened cranberry juice or cranberry pills

4.Vitamin C (at least 3, 000 a day)

5. Garlic ( raw or pills ) throughout day

6. Probiotic (acidophilus---take daily in general.... pills can be used overnight as vaginal insert for irritation/itchy, stinging etc as well as diluted tea tree oil) ...

7. Drink Herbal Soup Broth throughout day... (very soothing.... ) The healing herbal soup broth recipe can be "tweeked" here and there for your taste buds, more veggies can be added in for more of a healthy meal.

Well, the best of health to everyone. Stay positive, count your blessings and dont forget to breath deeply... Expand that ribcage and release!!!

Here's what I do when I get a bladder infection:

Little to no sugar during treatment

Raw veggies/juice and a little fruit only

Unsweetened cranberry juice, sip throughout day

Every two to three hours, take:

one chopped clove garlic

one tsp coconut oil

2 Tbsp acv

If you are not used to lots of garlic, you might want to throw a gas-aid in there per instructions on the box because it can get pretty painful! Once I can wake up in the morning with no discomfort (usually day 2), I continue this regiment for another 24-48 hours to make sure there are no lingering bacteria.

Hope this helps!

I used to have bladder infections a few years ago but not anymore. I did several things, I started drinking more water because I noticed that if it was very hot and I didn't drink enough I would get one. I also started peeing and washing myself after intercourse, I do it every time now. And using lube..... When I did a kidney and bladder scan to see if I had any problem, which I didn't, the doctor told me to wash myself with a French soap called Savon de Marseille which I have been doing ever since. No idea what helped exactly, maybe several things? By the way, I eat normally, fish, meat, eggs, everything except milk which I don't like! I hope this advice helps you because bladder infections are awful! And the antibiotics are awful too! By the way, peeing at regular intervals helps too, don't keep the urine inside! The cranberry pills or juice never helped me but I do take quite a bit of Vitamin C.

Some things that helped solve my bladder infection:

- Cranberry capsules

- Garlic (raw or from olive bar) 3-4 times dily 4-5 cloves each time

- 2 Tb ACV in 8 Ounces warm water 3 tie daily (away from meals)

- Good quality probiotics daily

- Yoghurt with active cultures

Changing underwear 3 times daily.

Re: Cures for Chronic (8 years) of UTI's

I have been feeling much better and though I must devote some extra energy to keeping myself healthy, the relief is well worth it! Here's what has helped me so far:

ACV- This has been a life saver!! I couldn't find the organic where I live in Mexico, so I just got the regular kind and it still worked wonders. I add a couple tablespoons to a large bottle of water which I sip over several hours. During an acute attack, I would drink a more concentrated solution and continue to drink a lot of water. I say would drink because I seldom experience the severe kind of pain that I used to feel. I can say pretty confidently that ACV has been one of the most helpful things in combatting these issues.

Water- I try to drink about 3 liters a day.

Probiotics- I take a strong probiotic everyday- helps to keep the general area in order, limiting vulvadynia symptoms and also keeps me more regular.

Fiber- speaking of regular... This helps with my bladder and female issues. If I am ever constipated, pushing at all can cause problems down there. I try not to push.

Kegel exercises- I contract the muscles and hold for a few seconds. I do this pretty regularly, but also when I am in the midsts of pain or discomfort. It really does seem to help.

Loose clothing- I used to wear tight jeans, sometimes a thong... Not anymore! I wear lots of skirts or dresses, cotton underwear and I make sure to wear pants and leggings that don't have big seems right through the crotch.

Stress- I know that avoiding stress is difficult at times, but it is paramount to reducing the severity of my health problems. So, I just pay close attention to what my body is telling me. If I am cleaning and start to feel a bit of pressure or stinging, well guess what- its time to stop for the day or maybe I just need to move slower. Lower back strain can make things worse, so I will try to sit more frequently, bend with the knees, that sort of thing. And I only cry when it is really worth it now. I think about whether or not what I am crying over is worth the pain it will cause a short while after. Usually its not. I am not a robot and it may be strange to say I choose not to cry-- but when you cry or worry or panic, the body tenses up and puts pressure on those nether regions. Sometimes the onset of my symptoms was enough to start this chain reaction of worrying and stressing and honestly it made it all much worse. Thinking too much about my symptoms never helped. I do what I know has worked for me and then try to keep calm and distract myself.

Things I try to avoid: sugar, lots of bread, alcohol (I immediately feel stinging in my bladder), really spicy foods, strong chemicals (bleach is the worst for me), pollution, cigarette smoke, lack of sleep.

Ice- I have several ice packs- I wrap one in a hand towel and place it down there when I start to feel swolen or stinging. It's instant relief.

Intimacy-Anything that touches down there must be clean. No after the game, after a long day anything with my husband. And right after, I make sure to pee and then rinse everything off. Maybe it hinders spontanaeity, but not as much as several days of pain.

I hope this is helpful. It's my arsenal and I'm sure that everyone needs to find what is specifically helpful for them. I have gone from having weekly bouts of severe pain, sometimes for several days... To having a problem once every couple of months.The first hint of discomfort and I am combatting it with everything Ive got. I really feel for anyone experiencing ongoing discomfort or pain of any sort and I wish you much peace and relief.

I am grateful for this website...
thanx for all the wonderful info on UTI...
I have been fighting UTI for the last 2 weeks and will try the ACV cure...
I am also taking the following extracts:
live leaf...wormwood...goldenrod...and from Dr. Schulze K-B organic and wild harvested herbal formula = ingredients:Juniper berry...horsetail herb...uva ursi leaf...burdock root...corn silk and parsley root...
olive leaf tea or extract kills everything in sight...I also take colloidal silver in all my water...I went to the Doctor and he gave me Cipro, which I took with my last UTI but not this time after I found out the side effects that can happen...my UTI is almost gone now with all my own goodies...I will now get on the ACV trip and everything you sufferers suggested...thanxxxxxx so much and God Bless...
say this every day: "today good and wonderful things will happen to me..." by Joel Osteen...

Olive Leaf for a Bladder Infection

Thank you both for sharing this wonderful remedy. I'm on my second dose and see a big improvement after adding turmeric. Hopefully this will help someone else :-)

I got a UTI and it turned into a kidney infection. I wanted to go the natural holistic route. I first tried what many suggested on EarthClinic such as D-Mannose, Cranberry juice and organic Apple Cider Vinegar. To my great surprise it did nothing for me. Absolutely nothing except turn my UTI into a Kidney Infection. I even tried Parsley tea, which helped, but didn't quite do the trick. I finally gave Olive Leaf Extract a go and was finally cured. In my case it took 4 weeks from the time of infection to when I was cured.

I took ONE capsule FOUR times a day spaced out, which was at least 1000mg of Olive Leaf Extract a day. I used two brands, one with Olive Leaf Extract with 250 mg per capsule and another Olive Leaf Herb Extract with 300 mg per capsule. When I ran out of one, I used the other. This miraculously and completely cured my problem. Folks, I was in serious pain urinating and experiencing terrible pain lower back (kidneys). I can honestly say this was the ONLY thing that worked for me. A family member even took the same dosage for kidney stones and they were cured after taking it for a month straight.

The only "negative side" to taking Olive Leaf Extract was that I had bowel movements ever other day as opposed to every day, but it was worth it. I also had to drink lots of high pH water. This was the easiest natural cure for my UTI turned Kidney Infection. =)